Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let Simeon’s Prayer Be Our Prayer

August 17, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Simeon's prayer — Fr. Tom homily for the Presentation of the Lord, Magnificat Podcast

Aboard the Magnificat cruise, Fr. Tom preaches on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — the day, forty days after Christmas, when Mary and Joseph carry the infant Jesus into the temple.

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Fr. Tom: Let Simeon’s Prayer Be Our Prayer

He sets the scene against Ezekiel’s prophecy that the Lord’s presence was departing from the temple, and then points to what happens on this feast: a young couple walks in with a baby, and God returns. Simeon and Anna, who stayed faithful through the long wait, finally see what they had hoped for — and Simeon prays the words the Church still prays at the close of every day: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation.”

Fr. Tom then turns the scene toward the listener.

Jesus is about to enter the temple of your heart, he says — in fact He already has, in the Word proclaimed. A ship stays on course by staying fixed on its heading; we get to heaven by staying fixed on the Word, and the Word is Jesus, and that Word is life and light. We bless candles because the Light came into the darkness of the world — and today that light comes into you.

He closes by making Simeon’s prayer our own: “Master, you may let your servant go in peace according to your word. For in this Eucharist, our eyes have seen your salvation.”

Quotes

  • “Everything that he waited for and he hoped for and he trusted and he had faith in became a reality in that moment when Mary and Joseph walked into that temple.”
  • “Jesus is about to come into the temple of your heart. He’s about to take up residence once again in your heart.”
  • “We are nothing without the Word, because the Word is everlasting life.”
  • “We bless candles because the light came into the darkness of the world. But today that light is coming into you and into me.”
  • “Master, you may let your servant go in peace according to your word. For in this Eucharist, our eyes have seen your salvation.”

Scripture & liturgy references

  • The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) — celebrated 40 days after Christmas
  • Luke 2:22–40 — the Presentation; Simeon and Anna
  • The Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29–32) — prayed at Night Prayer / Compline
  • Ezekiel 10–11 — the glory of the Lord departing the temple
  • St. Blaise and the blessing of throats (February 3)
  • Blessing of candles

Fr. Thomas Sparicino imageNine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

In this inspiring collection of nine homilies, Fr. Tom invites listeners into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through the liturgical year, the Eucharist, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Preached during a Magnificat pilgrimage, these reflections weave together Scripture, personal testimony, humor, and practical spiritual wisdom to encourage believers to live boldly as missionary disciples.

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

Just as the infant Christ was presented in the Temple, believers are called to welcome His presence daily through prayer, Scripture, and especially the Eucharist. Every Mass is an invitation to encounter Christ anew and allow His Word to become the guiding light for life’s journey.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit with confidence and humility. Holiness is presented not as perfection but as complete dependence upon God. Fr. Tom reminds us that every baptized Christian has received spiritual gifts and is called to use them courageously in service of the Church and the world.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

Through moving personal stories and reflections on sunrise prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the beauty of creation, Fr. Tom illustrates how Christ continually invites His people away from the noise of everyday life into intimate communion with Him.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Pride, fear, divided hearts, and the temptation to place conditions on God’s will prevent authentic healing and discipleship. Instead, Fr. Tom calls believers to surrender everything to the Lord, trusting that God’s grace is always sufficient, even amid suffering and uncertainty.

Drawing from the lives of saints including Simeon, Anna, St. Agatha, St. Scholastica, St. Bernadette, and St. Blaise, these messages demonstrate how ordinary people become extraordinary witnesses through unwavering faith and courageous obedience.

One of the most powerful themes woven throughout the homilies is that God does not abandon His people in suffering. Rather than removing every trial, He provides the grace necessary to endure them. Through stories of pastoral ministry, healing prayer, and personal encounters with God’s mercy, Fr. Tom encourages listeners to trust God’s timing and remain steadfast even in life’s darkest moments.

Ultimately, these nine homilies form one unified invitation: to become living tabernacles of Christ. Nourished by the Eucharist, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and transformed by divine mercy, every Christian is called to leave Mass renewed, fearless, and ready to bring Christ’s light into the world.

Highlights

  • Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
  • Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
  • Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
  • The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
  • Learning from the witness of the saints
  • Trusting God’s grace in suffering
  • Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
  • Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
  • Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

 

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14th, 2026.

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Salt of the Earth, Light of the World, Call to Holiness Homily given by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon

August 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon reflects on the calling of every Christian as the salt of the earth and light of the world.Salt of the Earth, Light of the World, Call to Holiness

Homily given by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon

In this inspiring homily, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, reflects on Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, reminding us that every baptized Christian is called to be both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Speaking to members of Magnificat, he emphasizes that discipleship is not reserved for clergy or religious—it is the vocation of every believer.

Beginning with the Beatitudes, Archbishop Gordon explains that Jesus presents a revolutionary blueprint for true happiness. While the world often searches for fulfillment in wealth, power, or success, Christ offers a radically different path rooted in humility, mercy, purity of heart, and trust in God. When we ignore this blueprint, we should not be surprised that our world experiences confusion, brokenness, and moral decay.

The image of salt becomes a rich symbol throughout the message. Salt gives flavor, preserves food from decay, and in biblical times represented value, covenant, and sacrifice. Likewise, Christians are called to preserve society from spiritual decay by faithfully living the Gospel. Rather than complaining about the state of the world, the bishop challenges listeners to ask a more personal question: “Where is the salt?” If society is losing its moral foundation, Christians must examine whether they are truly living as disciples of Christ.

The homily also explores the sacrificial nature of Christian living. Every act of love, every sacrifice made for one’s spouse, children, neighbors, or the poor becomes part of the offering presented to God at Mass. The bishop beautifully explains that our daily sacrifices are united with Christ’s perfect sacrifice, participating in God’s ongoing work of salvation.

Drawing from the prophet Isaiah, he reminds listeners that our light shines most brightly through the Corporal Works of Mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and caring for those on the margins of society. Holiness is not simply personal devotion, but love expressed through concrete acts of charity.

Speaking directly to the Magnificat community, the bishop affirms their mission as disciple-makers. The true measure of success is not attendance or impressive events but whether lives are transformed and people grow into deeper discipleship with Jesus Christ. Every testimony, every prayer, and every gathering should help move someone one step closer to Christ.

He concludes with the inspiring example of Mother Teresa, whose interior spiritual darkness never diminished the brilliant light she radiated to the world through selfless love. Her witness reminds us that holiness is not measured by feelings but by faithful service.

This episode is a compelling invitation to embrace the universal call to holiness, live intentionally as disciples of Jesus Christ, and become the salt that preserves the world and the light that leads others to Him.

Key Takeaways

  • The Beatitudes are God’s blueprint for lasting happiness.
  • Christians are called to preserve society by living authentic discipleship.
  • Every sacrifice offered in love becomes part of Christ’s sacrifice.
  • The Corporal Works of Mercy allow Christ’s light to shine through us.
  • Magnificat’s mission is to make disciples and deepen faith.
  • Holiness belongs to every baptized believer.
  • The world desperately needs Christians to be visible witnesses of Christ’s love and truth.

 

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon’s homily was given on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port of Spain with our Trinidad and Tobago Chapters and those attending the Caribbean Visitation Cruise.

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What floats your boat with the CST

August 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment

What Floats Your Boat with the CST

What floats your boat? Hear inspiring testimonies about faith and trust in God from the women of Magnificat.

A Conversation on Faith, Community, and Trust in God

As the final day of a memorable retreat cruise came to a close, the women of Magnificat gathered for one last inspiring conversation centered around a simple yet profound question: “What floats your boat?” In other words, what keeps you spiritually afloat through the storms and challenges of life?

In this heartfelt panel discussion, members of the Some Women podcast share personal testimonies of faith, healing, and transformation. Their answers reveal common themes that resonate deeply with every Christian journey.

For some, what keeps them afloat is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—learning to surrender control and allow Him to guide the course of life. Others speak of the power of community, emphasizing that faith was never meant to be lived alone. Through prayer groups, friendships, and ministries, they have discovered the strength that comes from walking alongside fellow believers.

The discussion also highlights the importance of Scripture and the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, as essential sources of spiritual nourishment. Panelists share how obedience to God’s will, even during difficult and uncertain times, has carried them through life’s storms.

Several touching testimonies underscore the beauty of God’s faithfulness: overcoming fear, receiving answers to years of prayer, witnessing family members return to the faith, and experiencing the peace that comes through complete trust and surrender to God.

Audience members add their own reflections, speaking about the goodness of God, unconditional love, perseverance, forgiveness, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. A special contribution from Fr. John reminds listeners that true intimacy is found not merely in human relationships but in a deep, spiritual relationship with God and one another.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that while everyone’s “boat” may look different, the source of our strength is the same. Whether through community, prayer, the sacraments, trust, or surrender, Jesus Christ remains the One who keeps us afloat.

Key Themes:

  • Trusting God through every season of life
  • The power of Christian community
  • The importance of Scripture and the Sacraments
  • Learning surrender and obedience
  • Persevering through trials with faith
  • Growing in intimacy with God
  • Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in everyday life

No matter what storms may come, this conversation encourages us to ask ourselves: What truly floats our boat—and are we allowing Christ to be our captain?

The Central Service Team (CST) talk was given on February 13, 2026, the 5th day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31– Feb. 14, 2026.

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Walking Through the Storm with Susan Potvin

July 29, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Join Susan Potvin as she shares an inspiring message about trusting God amidst life's storms through faith and surrender.Show Notes ‘Walking through the Storm’ with Susan Potvin

In this powerful and deeply personal message, worship leader and speaker Susan shares an encouraging invitation to trust God in every season of life. Drawing from the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, she reminds us that storms are inevitable, but fear does not have to define our response.

Susan opens with a simple but profound declaration: “Jesus, I trust in You.” She explains that praise and worship are acts of surrender—lifting our hands to God like a child reaching for a loving Father. Trust becomes the foundation that allows us to move from merely surviving life’s storms to walking with Jesus in the midst of them.

Through heartfelt stories, including the adoption of her daughter from the Philippines and the loss of her mother to cancer, Susan illustrates how God often meets us at the end of our strength. In our moments of exhaustion, grief, and helplessness, we discover that Christ has been holding us all along.

One of the central themes of this message is that suffering is never meaningless. God permits trials either to produce a greater good within us or to protect us from a greater evil. Rather than asking only, “Why am I suffering?” Susan encourages listeners to ask, “What is the gift hidden in this suffering?”

She also introduces the concept of “situational awareness” in the spiritual life, reminding us that we live in three realms: the earthly realm, the realm of spiritual battle, and the heavenly realm. As believers, our eyes must remain fixed on Jesus and the realities of heaven, even while we navigate the difficulties of this world.

Perhaps the most moving insight of the message is that the victory is not merely when the storm ends. The true victory is found in the storm itself, when we cling to Jesus as Peter did and discover that He is enough.

Whether you are grieving, struggling with fear, praying for loved ones, or carrying unanswered questions, this episode offers hope and encouragement. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He invites each of us to walk with Him—even on stormy waters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Storms are a normal part of the Christian journey.
  • Trust and praise keep our focus on Jesus.
  • Every suffering contains a hidden gift from God.
  • We are called to live with our eyes fixed on heaven.
  • The greatest victory is not escaping the storm but encountering Jesus within it.
  • Our weaknesses and insecurities can become places where God’s glory shines most brightly.

Memorable Quote:
“Don’t ever separate the gift from the Giver. Jesus Himself is the victory in the storm.”

 

Susan Potvin’s talk was given on February 11, 2026, the 4th day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31– Feb. 14, 2026.

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Getting Out of the Boat – Dr. Carol Razza

July 22, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Join Dr. Carol Razza in exploring the powerful message of Getting Out of the Boat and embracing God's transformative love.Getting out of the Boat with Dr. Carol Razza

In this powerful and Spirit-filled message, international evangelist Dr. Carol invites listeners into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ and a renewed awareness of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. Speaking from decades of ministry experience around the world, Dr. Carol shares that God is releasing a “tsunami” of living water—a fresh movement of renewal that is meant to refresh hearts, change lives, and ignite the Church once again.

Drawing from the Gospel account of Peter walking on water, she challenges believers to step out of their “boats” of fear, insecurity, and false identity and fix their eyes firmly on Jesus. Fear, she explains, grows when we focus on our circumstances rather than on God’s perfect love. Through personal stories, Scripture, and prophetic insight, Dr. Carol reminds us that our true identity is not defined by the world but by our baptism—we are beloved sons and daughters of the King.

Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, surrender, and daily encounters with Christ. Dr. Carol emphasizes that Christianity is not merely a set of ideas or religious practices but a living relationship with Jesus, nourished especially through the Eucharist and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

She also shares remarkable testimonies from her missionary journeys in Africa and the Dominican Republic, illustrating how God equips His people with supernatural grace when they respond to His call. These stories serve as reminders that every believer has been gifted and commissioned to participate in God’s work of evangelization and transformation.

The message concludes with a powerful prayer of healing, deliverance, and renewal, inviting listeners to surrender every burden, allow the Holy Spirit to heal old wounds, and rekindle the gifts received through Baptism and Confirmation.

Key Takeaways:

  • God’s love casts out fear and reveals our true identity.
  • Encounters with Jesus are meant to happen daily.
  • The Holy Spirit is renewing the Church and calling believers into deeper faith.
  • We are invited to step out in courage, trust God’s voice, and become instruments of His love.
  • Through prayer, surrender, and the sacraments, God desires to bring healing, freedom, and transformation.

This episode is an inspiring call to leave behind fear and complacency and to enter fully into the adventure of walking with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit and transformed by His love.

Dr. Carol Razza’s talk was given on February 9, 2026, the 3rd day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31– Feb. 14, 2026.

 

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Keeping your Eyes on Jesus – Dr. Elizabeth Kim

July 14, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Join Dr. Elizabeth Kim as she shares inspiring insights on keeping our eyes on Jesus amid life's uncertainties.

Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus with Dr. Elizabeth Kim

How do we keep our eyes on Jesus when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or filled with fear? In this inspiring retreat message, Dr. Elizabeth Kim shares a faith-filled teaching rooted in the Gospel account of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14). Drawing from Scripture, her professional experience as a psychologist, and decades of ministry, she encourages listeners to cultivate a deeper trust in God and live with confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Elizabeth KimDr. Kim begins by reflecting on her visit to the Sea of Galilee, where she experienced a vivid reminder that Jesus is just as present with us today as He was with His disciples 2,000 years ago. Using Peter’s experience of walking on the water, she explores what it means to keep our focus on Christ instead of the storms surrounding us.

Throughout the message, Dr. Kim examines the relationship between faith, fear, and doubt. She reminds listeners that biblical faith is not merely intellectual belief but a living, active trust that produces courage, healing, and obedience. Using examples from Scripture—including Moses crossing the Red Sea, Joshua crossing the Jordan River, the woman healed from years of hemorrhaging, and the faithful witness of Mary and Joseph—she demonstrates how God works powerfully through those who place their confidence in Him.

The talk also addresses the many forms fear can take, including fear of failure, rejection, suffering, the future, trauma, and even success. Dr. Kim offers a hopeful perspective by distinguishing healthy reverence for God from the unhealthy fear that keeps believers from fully embracing their identity as beloved children of God. Referencing Romans 8 and 2 Timothy 1:7, she explains the difference between living with an “orphan spirit” driven by anxiety and self-reliance versus living with a spirit of adoption that trusts in God’s fatherly care.

As a licensed psychologist and board-certified neurofeedback practitioner, Dr. Kim briefly discusses how trauma affects the brain and emotional responses while emphasizing the healing available through Christ. She encourages listeners to pursue both spiritual growth and healing, recognizing that God desires wholeness in every area of life.

The message concludes with practical ways to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus every day:

  • Develop a consistent daily prayer life.
  • Spend time listening for God’s voice.
  • Stay rooted in Scripture.
  • Receive strength through the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration.
  • Remain connected to a faith community.
  • Live a Spirit-filled life, continually open to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Kim closes the retreat with a beautiful prayer inviting a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, asking God to remove fear, heal wounded hearts, renew faith, and empower believers to walk courageously with Christ.

Whether you are navigating personal challenges, seeking deeper faith, or longing for renewed spiritual confidence, this encouraging message reminds us that when our eyes remain fixed on Jesus, He is always faithful to reach out His hand, strengthen our faith, and lead us through every storm.

Key Takeaway:
When fear threatens to overwhelm us, Jesus invites us to trust Him, fix our eyes on Him, and walk forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. Faith grows as we deepen our relationship with Christ, allowing His perfect love to cast out every fear.

This talk, by Dr. Elizabeth Kim, was given on February 2, 2026, the 2nd day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise, Jan. 31 – Feb. 14, 2026.

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Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

July 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment

In this episode, Jimmy Seghers highlights the path to holiness with insights drawn from scripture and personal experiences.Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

Guest: Jimmy Seghers, Author of The Fullness of Truth

Episode Summary

In this moving and deeply spiritual episode, renowned scripture scholar and apologist Jimmy Seghers shares profound insights on the journey toward true holiness. Drawing from the Song of Songs and the wisdom of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Jimmy breaks down the stages of spiritual growth—the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways—and challenges listeners to fully surrender their wills to Christ.

Through personal anecdotes of conversion, historical saintly examples, and a striking nautical analogy, Jimmy explains that holiness is not about our own spectacular actions but    about allowing Christ to live and love through us in the present moment.

Key Themes & Takeaways

  • The Three Kisses of Spiritual Life: Utilizing St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s 87 homilies on the Song of Songs, Jimmy explores the developmental stages of faith:
    • The Kiss of the Feet (The Purgative Way): The stage of intense repentance, turning away from mortal sin, and entering life from death (symbolized by Mary Magdalene).
    • The Kiss of the Hand (The Illuminative Way): A period of spiritual adolescence where love shifts from emotional and selfish to a committed, self-sacrificing will (symbolized by Peter being pulled from the waves).
    • The Kiss of the Mouth (The Unitive Way): The way of perfection and spiritual adulthood where our entire being is united with God’s will.
  • The Danger of Attachments: Many Christians get “stuck” in the illuminative way because of earthly attachments. Like Gulliver tied down by tiny strings, we are often held back from wholehearted love by small, subtle attachments rather than a desire for grievous sin.
  • The 211° vs. 1° Misconception: Jimmy shares a personal realization about his own spiritual life. He thought he was “hot water” at 211° needing just one more degree to become a powerhouse. Instead, he realized he was at 1°, and Christ is the 211° powerhouse we must surrender to.
  • Holiness in the Ordinary: Authentic love is an act of the will, not a feeling. True transformation happens when ordinary, mundane actions (like changing diapers or cleaning toilets) are done strictly out of love for Christ.
  • The Danger of Being Two Degrees Off: In navigating a ship from Los Angeles to Hawaii, being a mere 2 degrees off course means being completely lost at sea. Regular course correction through scripture and grace is essential to stay aligned with God’s will.

This talk by Jimmy Seghers was given on February 1, 2026, the 1st day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31st– Feb. 14th 2026.

 

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